Types of Wrinkles
Fine lines are the very first signs of aging. As our skin begins to age as we do, fine lines may start to appear around the eyes, around mouth or in between the brows. These lines tend to form expression lines that more the muscles in our face contract, such as when you smile, laugh, or frown. Fine lines generally start to appear after the age of 25.
Fine lines become wrinkles over time and are either dynamic or static. Dynamic wrinkles are from repeated facial movements or our facial muscles contracting when we show expressions. Also referred to as expression lines/wrinkles. Static wrinkles are from a loss of gravity and elasticity.
Based on our individual anatomy some people may have lines that are more prominent in areas of the face over other areas, unlike someone else. They make us distinct, provide character, and show expression, emotion, and sincerity. They reveal what mood we are in. For example, if you are a habitually positive and cheerful individual, you will most likely develop laugh lines and crow’s feet and be perceived by others as a happy person. Furthermore, certain wrinkles such as marionette lines or frown lines can accentuate an appearance of displeasured emotion (unimpressed, annoyed, or irritated) on our face or in more slang terms “resting bitch face”.
Frown lines, (glabellar lines), and “the elevens” all mean the vertical lines that present in between the brows when we frown making us look like we are deep in thought or worried.
Forehead lines (frontalis lines) are horizontal lines that run across the forehead and become more prominent in appearance when we raised our eyebrows in a state of surprise.
Bunny lines (nasalis fanning rhytides) are smaller lines that run either diagonally or vertically on bridge of either sides of our nose that appear when squint, smile or laugh.
Crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines) are lines that radiate from the outer corners of our eyes and appear when we smile, squint, or laugh.
Laugh lines, smile lines, (nasolabial folds) are creases that extend from both sides of our nose to the corners of our mouth and are more prominent when we smile or laugh.
Lip lines, “smoker lines”, (perioral rhytides) are multiple vertical lines that appear around the perimeter of the mouth, especially on top of the upper line.
Marionette lines run vertically between the mouth and chin and can be parallel to the nasolabial folds.
Wrinkles that will show on our face will depend on several factors such as genetics and lifestyle. We cannot change our genes or the effects of gravity over time, fortunately we can follow 4 rules to ward off skin damage that could lead to earlier or more prominent wrinkles.
1) Protect and repair – limit direct sun exposure by wearing a hat/sunglasses and using sunscreen on a daily basis as UV exposure is the prominent cause of extrinsic aging. Furthermore, use skincare products that contain anti-oxidant ingredients to combat oxidative stress, such as UV rays and free radicals, in our skin.
2) Make healthy lifestyle choices – attempts to enjoy healthier eating habits, such as reducing sugar and eating lots of greens. Try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and by limiting alcohol consumption. Quit smoking if you do – smokers in their 40s often have as many facial wrinkles as non-smokes in their 60s. Additionally, getting adequate sleep and exercise plays an important part, as well as reducing stress in your life – stress shows on your face.
3) Choose products based on your skin’s condition – If you have drier skin, incorporate a nourishing moisturizer into your routine, or adding oil and emollient ingredients. If you are concerned with wrinkles or aging, use products that contain ingredients that promote elasticity and collagen building properties and use antioxidants and sunscreen.
4) Adjust crease-causing habits – limit squishing your face in your pillow by sleeping on your back, avoid resting your face in your hand while sitting at a desk or table, and try to reduce stress and worry in your life so that your forehead and brows can relax more. Botox is also a means to prevent and help soften wrinkles, as it ceases the muscles from contracting.
Bottom line – wrinkles are character and are distinct to each one of us, we can help prevent the prominence of their development but ultimately learn to embrace them if provide a positive perception or story about each one of us.